From the Inbox – May 10, 2020
Happy Mother’s Day!
A big thank you to all the moms who gave birth to all the talented musicians below, since…well, I wouldn’t be writing about them and sharing their fantastic tunes. You’ve done a great job by letting biology and reproduction use your body to produce art-filled specimens.
Speaking of which, I’ll be sure to thank my mother on your behalf for providing such a talented music fanatic to your lives.
(She says you’re welcome).
What I’m trying to say is: mom’s are important, so thank you! And if you’re a mom (or my mom) reading this, THANK YOU!
With that out of the way, it’s time to enjoy some great new releases from my inbox to yours! I hope you find something new to love in this week’s edition of From the Inbox, and if you do – don’t forget to share it!
Let us know by finding us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify! Plus, it’s the BEST way to stay up to date on new releases!
Haley K Turner – Loved You Perfectly
Vancouver singer-songwriter Haley K Turner is releasing her debut full-length in from the dark on May 29th. From the upcoming collection is the heartwarming lead single “Loved You Perfectly”. Doubling down on the song’s heartwarming message about her experiences as a mother, Turner took the opportunity to turn the music video into a platform of motherly love. Featuring children young and old giving their admiration for their moms, the music video is a heartfelt community of positivity, authenticity, and wholesomeness. Big smiles and hand-written notes make for a sweet way of saying “I love you”.
Yebba – Distance
When you get the chance to co-produce a record with Mark Ronson and The Roots, there’s a pretty solid chance of it being a hit. Such is the case with Grammy Award-winning, Memphis-raised soul singer/songwriter Yebba. Her new single “Distance” is a tightly wrapped package of crisp, gospel-infused R&B tied up with her sultry, hypnotic vocals. Written about the end of a relationship, it has a heavy spirit and transfixing sound that is perfect for late-night reminiscing.
Arlo Parks – Black Dog
Arlo Parks has never been shy about wearing her heart on her sleeve when it comes to her songwriting; her candid self-expression is well beyond her years. Her new single “Black Dog” is no exception, highlighting the helplessness in watching a loved one struggle with mental illness. Parks’ bedroom pop musicality is sincere and delicate, building a connection through its raw aesthetic and guileless lyricism.
Le Couleur – Silenzio
“Oh, damn. This is groovy. Oh, and they’re singing in French. Makes sense, since they’re from Montreal…I wonder what this song’s about?”, I ponder.
“The track Silenzio is about the death that lurks and holds us in a duel, already lost. It deals with the rivalry between life and death. The latter being put into image by a betrayal, and ending with the kiss of death (il bacio della morte). She wins again and we witness her executions“, explains Le Couleur.
That is not what I was expecting.
Regardless, the Montreal trio are able to craft danceable music influenced by ’70’s French disco and psychedelic undertones. “Silenzio” is the first taste of their forthcoming album Le Concorde.
Jenny Banai – Intermittent Heart
It’s easy to get lost in the music of Vancouver-based folk-pop artist Jenny Banai. Her voice is the first thing you hear on her new single “intermittent Heart”, instantly taking centre stage, supported by glossy pop stylings and breezy West Coast folk vibes. Off her upcoming full-length couchwalker, out July 17th, the new single is a dreamy lo-fi pop track of clever arrangements lead by her alluring vocal presence.
Nick Black – I.R.L.
Growing up on the music of Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake, Memphis indie pop artist Nick Black was inspired to create fun-loving and free-spirited music. His new single “I.R.L.” is exactly that, turning a love song into a concert-ready dance tune. Inspired by the desire to make meaningful connections face-to-face, “I.R.L.” (In Real Life) is pop track sharing elements of R&B, blues, and electronic to bring it to life.
Perpetuals – Passive Witness
Philadelphia is kinda underrated for their alternative rock scene. Every so often, I come across a young indie rock group that happens to be from the area (home to the likes of Beach Slang, The Districts, and Modern Baseball) and more often than not, it’s something that resonates. Cue Perpetuals and their new single “Passive Witness”. Building intensity through atmospheric instrumentation and crashing arrangements, it’s an excellent look at the upcoming sounds of the area. Written in conjunction with Earth Day back in April, it’s an striking tune focused on building a strong tomorrow.
Purity Ring – stardew
Trip-hop duo Purity Ring released their long-awaited album WOMB back in early April. The five years following Another Eternity felt like forever, but nevertheless, fans were gifted with a familiar collection of interstellar genre-blend of the Edmonton pair. From the album is their lead single “stardew” which now has an equally intergalactic music video to match, directed by life-size stop motion artist Tobias Stretch with costumes created by Purity Ring vocalist Megan James.
Pop it into full screen, sit back, and enjoy.
The Brooks – Turn Up The Sound
Montreal funk ensemble The Brooks feel like they were implanted from the late 1970s to revive the glory days of the genre. Which makes sense, considering some of the members have worked with the likes of Michael Jackon, Tina Turner, and Janet Jackson. From their upcoming third album Anyday Now is the new single “Turn Up the Sound”. It’s a groovy, groovy tune in the spirit of James Brown, D’Angelo, and Bootsy Collins, making it near impossible to not dance around.
Written about finding a happy place to escape to, “Turn Up The Sound” is a perfect way to lighten up our current lifestyles. Plus, who doesn’t love a good bongo section? Enjoy the new live music video:
Jarami – Company
Swedish producer duo Jarami originally came to be out of the Stockholm jazz scene almost a decade ago. The pair of Jacob Olofsson and Rami Dawod continue include their musical origins into shimmering electronic music on their new single “Company”. Built over a funky bass riff, the new single takes its shape with funk and jazz inspired rhythms, including a electrifying piano solo and brass section. It’s easy (and encouraged) to get lost in the song’s souful spirit.
